Dawn Patrol: Welcome to the 2017 World Title Showdown

The 2017 World Title race is already one for the record books. Pro surfing fans have witnessed eight different surfers take wins in the first ten events. The Jeep Leaders' jersey has already changed hands five times, and as we head full speed into the Billabong Pipe Masters, the final event of the season, four surfers are still in contention for the coveted World Title trophy. The battle for this coveted hardware will take place over the coming days at the world famous Banzai Pipeline on Oahu's North Shore. Defending World Champion John John Florence of Hawaii enters with a slight lead, but faces huge challenges with Gabriel Medina of Brazil, the 2014 World Champion; Jordy Smith of South Africa, a two-time runner up; and Julian Wilson of Australia, the 2014 Pipe Masters champion.

Before Friday's Pipe Invitational event ran the WSL commentary crew took a look ahead at the contenders, the forecast, and the details of what it will take to walk away with this year's crown. Settle in and get psyched.